435: Live: The Perennial Urge to Censor New Technology

The book explores how the ideas 'what doesn’t kill you makes you weaker,' 'always trust your feelings,' and 'life is a battle between good people and evil people' have become embedded in American culture. These 'Great Untruths' contradict basic psychological principles and ancient wisdom, leading to a culture of safetyism that interferes with young people’s social, emotional, and intellectual development. The authors investigate various social trends, including fearful parenting, the decline of unsupervised play, and the impact of social media, as well as changes on college campuses and the broader context of political polarization in America.

Published in 1954, 'Seduction of the Innocent' by Fredric Wertham warned about the perceived dangers of comic books, claiming they promoted violence, sex, and other adult themes that could lead to juvenile delinquency. The book was influential in the establishment of the Comics Code Authority, a self-regulatory body that imposed strict guidelines on the comic book industry. Wertham's arguments were based on his clinical observations and critiques of the commercial practices of comic book publishers and retailers. However, subsequent studies have disputed the validity of his research, highlighting instances of manipulated and fabricated evidence.

Published in 1859, 'On Liberty' is a seminal work by John Stuart Mill that argues for the protection of individual freedoms from the tyranny of the majority and government interference. Mill uses utilitarian philosophy to justify the value of liberty, emphasizing the importance of freedom of thought, discussion, and action. He introduces the 'harm principle,' which states that individuals should only be restrained from acting when their conduct may harm others. The essay is structured into five chapters, each addressing different aspects of liberty, including the liberty of thought and discussion, individual liberty, the limits of authority, and practical applications of his theories. Mill argues that protecting individual liberties is essential for societal progress and the avoidance of social stagnation.

Published in 1644, 'Areopagitica' is a prose polemic that defends the freedom of speech and expression. Milton argues against the Licensing Order of 1643, which required government approval for all published books. He contends that censorship is a tool of tyranny, ineffective in eradicating heresy or falsehood, and instead fuels curiosity and strengthens the desire for forbidden knowledge. Milton emphasizes the importance of open discourse and the pursuit of truth, using historical, philosophical, and practical arguments to support his stance. He also advocates for self-discipline among authors, urging them to ensure their works are morally responsible. Despite its immediate failure to repeal the licensing order, 'Areopagitica' has had a lasting influence on the literature of human rights and freedom of expression.